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Occupational Medicine

Plateletpheresis Donation Requires Very Little, But Gives So Much

Platelet donations help people undergoing treatment for serious health
problems like leukemia, cancer and a plastic anemia. A transfusion can
literally mean the difference between life and death for some patients.

Plateletpheresis takes about 90 minutes to complete. The procedure is
longer than a regular donation because it takes extra time to separate and
collect the platelets from the other blood components. Generally, a
person may donate platelets as frequently as every 4 days but no more
than 24 times a year or 6 whole blood donations a year. you may donate
whole blood 3 days before or after your platelet donation. We recommend
waiting 2 weeks if you are a regular donor or experience iron level
problems. (If donating both, the number of donations will have to be
reduced - consult with your technician to check next available donations
date.)

Eligible plateletpheresis donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh
more than 110 pounds and be in good health. No aspirin 36 hours prior to
donating and watch fatty intake 24 hours prior to donation.